Bhandas Bandhas are one of Ashtanga Yoga's most important elements. Bandha means lock or seal, bondage, or joining together. Bandha is the first paradox that comes across in Ashtanga Yoga, which is that although bandha means lock or seal, the result of applying a bandha is to unlock the latent life-force energy and by locking or contracting certain muscles on a physical level, a subtle process of unlocking occurs simultaneously on the mental level. It also refers to a posture in which certain organs or parts of the body are gripped, contracted, and controlled. There are three important bandhas that should be applied in your practice: Mula Bandha—this is the force of energy created by lifting the pelvic floor while controlling the breath. This closure prevents the breath/energy from escaping the lower body. Uddiyana Bandha—the ”flying bandha“ is found by contracting the lower abdomen and pulling it inward and upward toward the spine. This bandha forces the breath/energy to rise up the spine. Jalandara Bandha—is engaged by lifting the chest to the chi, creating a lock in the lower neck. This closure prevents the breath/energy from escaping the upper body. These three bandhas are to be engaged throughout the entire practice. When all the closures are engaged they are used as means of extending control over your breath and thus are means to extend our access to consciousness. Applying the closures will help prevent injury caused by overly ambitious or competitive practice. With time and with practice you will enjoy and understand the benefit of engaging your bandhas.